Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 1 5 “With the decision by Transport Canada to suspend cruise visitation in Canada until at least 31 Oct 2020, we shifted our focus to determining how cruise would safely return to the community in 2021. The health and safety of Victorians is the top priority for the organisation with the recognition that the resumption of cruise must be done in a way that protects the community, passengers and crew, and shore excursion providers. Solutions-focused conversations continue between the organisation, cruise lines, government bodies, and local stakeholders to manage and mitigate concerns and risks. In 2021, the organisation will utilise its new 58-metre mooring dolphin extension, which was completed in advance of the 2020 season.” Brian Cant, communications and marketing manager Greater Victoria Harbour Authority “The Mediterranean and adjoining seas are currently shelter for more than 80 cruise ships, a home of the cruise industry since the beginning of the pandemic. MedCruise is monitoring the resumption of cruise operations and sharing the information with its members which are working hard on safety measures. We launched a Post Covid-19 Committee of Experts to analyse the protocols published by countries, cruise lines and health organisations, to help members and the whole cruise industry for the earliest return to operations.” Jordi Caballé, secretary general MedCruise “The V&A Waterfront’s redevelopment of the Cape Town Cruise Terminal has stimulated growth in the sector and the recently upgraded Passenger Terminal offers state-of-the-art facilities available to cruise liners during their embarkation and disembarkation process, which include immigration, security check points, baggage facilities, visitor services, coach pick-up and drop-off areas, all managed by an experienced team. As the industry recovers, the V&A Waterfront will be working with local and national government, cruise operators, the travel and tourism industry as well as the port health authorities to coordinate our efforts to welcome back the cruise industry and passengers safely and responsibly, to once more experience the diversity that our beautiful city and country has to offer.” Donald Kau, head of PR & communications, V&A Waterfront “Poole’s terminal has a recently refurbished, spacious lounge area dedicated to cruise. It’s been reconfigured to support a one-way system and wherever interaction is likely, safety measures such as floor markings, posters and hand sanitising stations are in place to protect passengers and staff. Poole saw its first passengers pass through the port in July, with the welcome return of passenger ferry services over 100 days after they were suspended. We’ve been working closely with our partners and stakeholders to ensure we were ready, willing and able to welcome back passengers in a safe and manageable way.” Dave Laut safety and security manager Poole Harbour Commissioners “The whole port area is in great development and we are dedicating much energy and money in every single work. After the pandemic we have to do more in less time. We are redeveloping port areas to quickly attract more traffic, building and maintenance infrastructures efficiently, achieving net-zero emissions within a period of 20 years. Two recent project financing calls, whose value is around €160 million euros, are the first line of an industrial plan on services and energy efficiency that progresses our ports.” Pasqualino Monti, president of the Port System Authority of the Western Sicilian Sea, Palermo, Termini Imerese, Trapani and Porto Empedocle V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has worked with authorities to welcome back the cruise industry and passengers safely and responsibly. Malaga, left, is one of many Med ports that has geared up to resume operations